Govt. committed to reviving Nandi awards, says Cinematography Minister Durgesh

Tourism, Cinematography and Cultural Affairs Minister Kandula Durgesh on Sunday said that the TDP-led coalition government in the state has initiated steps for revival of arts and culture.

Speaking at an event featuring new officers of the Andhra Pradesh State Film, Television and Theater Development Corporation (APSTVTDC), Mr. Durgesh announced that the government is committed to reviving the prestigious Nandi Awards and Nandi Natakotsavams.

He said Andhra Pradesh has many attractive shooting locations, including Araku Valley, Maredumilli, Tirupati and Amaravati, and urged producers and film personalities to invest in studios, dubbing halls and recording facilities in the state.

While Bharat Bhushan took over as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, Chikkala Meher Ramesh Kumar took oath as the Vice Chairman in the presence of film personalities, public representatives and officials.

Mr. Bharat Bhushan said that he will strive for the development of cinema, arts and theater in Andhra Pradesh and thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, Mr. Durgesh and MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna for entrusting him with this responsibility.

Recalling that a full-fledged committee for the film industry was earlier formed in 1984 under the leadership of former Prime Minister NT Rama Rao and DVS Raju, he said that the coalition government revived it years later.

Mr. Balakrishna said that with the help of Mr. Pawan Kalyan and Mr. Durgesh, efforts will be made to expand the Telugu film industry in Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Meher Ramesh Kumar said the coalition government is committed to creating a “film-friendly” environment in the state and said the newly constituted board will try to bring back film-related activities to Andhra Pradesh by strengthening infrastructure and employment opportunities.

Mr. Balakrishna said Vijayawada once served as a major hub for the Telugu film industry and pointed out that around 65-70% of Telugu film revenues still come from Andhra Pradesh. He emphasized the need for a single window system to facilitate shooting permits and police clearances and urged both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments to support the film industry.

Actors Suman Talwar and Jhansi, who have been appointed as directors, also pledged support for the growth of film and television industries in Andhra Pradesh.

The newly formed board included 17 directors, including cinema personalities, artists and senior officials.